Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC clusters expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) were identified in ovarian cancer patients, reflecting the presence of minimal cellular disease burden detectable through liquid biopsy.
Detection of PD-L1–positive circulating tumor cells provides important insights into tumor–immune system interactions and mechanisms of immune evasion.
CTC clusters expressing PD-L1 may represent highly aggressive tumor cell populations with increased metastatic potential compared to single circulating tumor cells.
Dynamic changes in PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells and clusters may indicate evolving immune escape strategies during disease progression or treatment.
Quantitative and molecular characterization of CTCs enables real-time monitoring of tumor biology without requiring invasive tissue biopsies.
Liquid biopsy–based immune profiling using CTCs may help identify patients who could benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
Continuous monitoring of PD-L1–positive CTC populations may support improved disease surveillance and therapy response assessment.
Overall, CTC-based immune biomarker profiling offers a promising approach to advance precision immuno-oncology strategies and personalized treatment in ovarian cancer.
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